Bigoli Pasta

adapted from Zingerman's Deli recipes

Serves 2

Cento Brand at Trader Joe's and Ortiz at Zingerman's Deli

Found at Zingerman's Deli - A2, MI

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1 tin anchovies in extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tin sardines in extra virgin olive oil
• 8 oz spaghetti, cooked & drained
• extra virgin olive oil

Method:

1. In a large pan, generously coat the bottom with olive oil at medium-low heat.  Add the onion and 1/3 cup of water.  Cook slowly for 20 to 30 minutes or until the onions have broken down into a creamy texture.
2. Add the sardines and the anchovies, reserving the oil from the tins.  Gently break apart the fish and stir them into the onion. Cook until the fish have completely broken down.
3. Toss the sauce with freshly cooked pasta and add black pepper to taste.  Drizzle the leftover olive oil from the tins over the pasta (optional).  It adds a wonderful flavor to the pasta. Enjoy! 

Notes:

• This dish can be common or gourmet.  It just depends on the quality of ingredients you choose to use.  
• Ortiz brand anchovies are very very good, however since it's imported from Spain - the price is higher than using the Cento brand from Trader Joe's.  The price difference is at least 13 dollars.
• Les Mouettes d'Arvor brand sardines are so delicious.  I would use this brand for this dish until I find a cheaper, yet still tasty brand of sardines.  
• Just yesterday, I used a sardines brand from Trader Joe's that was preserved in water instead of extra virgin olive oil.  Perhaps that was the element that was missing, the sardines tasted and smelled extremely "fishy."  This made the pasta dish less appetizing.
• This recipe is very simple and it's very tasty.  If you are able, buy quality ingredients and enjoy this on its own or with a glass of Italian pinot grigio.